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Duke University

2080 Duke University Road, Durham, NC 27708, USA

Duke University award
Duke University award
US ranking
position: 6
Tuition & fees per year: $72,795
Acceptance rate: 7.00%
Median alumni salary: $74,497
Avg. SAT and ACT: 1513 SAT, 34 ACT
Entrance difficulty: Very hard

What does Duke University offer in terms of athletics?

Duke University boasts a robust athletics program that competes at the NCAA Division I level, primarily as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The university is widely recognized for its successful men's and women's basketball teams, which have garnered national championships and produced numerous professional athletes. Beyond basketball, Duke offers a broad range of varsity sports including soccer, lacrosse, tennis, swimming, and track and field, providing diverse opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level.

Facilities at Duke support these programs with state-of-the-art venues such as Cameron Indoor Stadium for basketball and Koskinen Stadium for soccer. The university emphasizes both athletic excellence and academic achievement, supporting student-athletes with resources designed to balance rigorous training and competition alongside their studies.

Additionally, Duke encourages a vibrant campus culture around athletics, fostering school spirit through events and traditions that engage both students and the wider community. For prospective students interested in continuing their athletic pursuits, Duke presents a competitive yet supportive environment with comprehensive programs across numerous sports.

What student groups and Associations are available at Duke University?

Duke University offers a diverse range of student groups and associations to support the varied interests and activities of its student body. While specific details about these organizations are not available, the campus environment fosters numerous opportunities for student engagement and leadership. The university supports approximately 6,474 students, with 2,994 men and 3,480 women, who can participate in various social, cultural, academic, and special interest groups tailored to enhance their university experience.

Who studies at Duke University?

The student body at Duke University is diverse both in size and composition. Each year, the university enrolls an average of 1,741 freshmen, representing the top 35% of accepted applicants, alongside a smaller transfer student cohort of 56 individuals, which falls into the lower 40% percentile rank. In total, the incoming class numbers approximately 1,797 students, placing the university's recruitment efforts in the top 45% nationwide.

The age distribution of Duke University students spans a broad range, particularly when comparing undergraduate and graduate populations. Undergraduates are primarily young adults aged 18 to 21, with 3,178 students aged 18 to 19 and 2,776 between 20 and 21 years old. Older undergraduate students become less common above this age range, although there are small numbers in older brackets. Graduate students tend to skew older: the largest groups fall between 22 and 29 years old, with substantial numbers continuing into their 30s and beyond, up to those over 65 years old. Overall, the combined student body includes individuals in nearly all adult age categories, reflecting a variety of academic stages and life experiences.

Duke University's ethnic composition reveals a somewhat balanced representation with some notable strengths. Asian students form a significant proportion, with 1,403 individuals placing Duke in the top 30% for this demographic. Those identifying with two or more races also score highly, with 475 students ranking in the top 30%. African American students number 562, representing a median percentile level, and white students total 2,266, also near the average national range. Hispanic students number 691, positioned just below the median, while other groups such as Native Americans and Pacific Islanders are smaller in number but still represented. Additionally, a notable group of 348 students have unknown ethnic identification but rank within the top 35% percentile.

How does student life look like at Duke University?

Student life at Duke University offers a variety of extracurricular activities that contribute to a vibrant campus environment. Students have access to diverse artistic outlets such as campus drama productions, radio, TV, a band, and a chorus, fostering a rich cultural atmosphere. The presence of a campus newspaper further engages the student body in current events and campus affairs.

Support services play a notable role in the student experience. Duke University provides legal services and a health clinic, as well as psychological counseling, addressing both physical and mental well-being. Additionally, there is a dedicated woman's center on campus, which supports gender-related issues and advocacy.

In terms of campus population and staff, Duke University has a total enrollment of 17,499 students, ranking it within the top 20% for size. The university employs 1,857 full-time staff members, placing it among the top 5% for staffing levels, which suggests a strong institutional capacity to support students. The student-faculty ratio is very low at 5: 1, which likely allows for smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from faculty.

Athletics are an integral part of campus life as well, with Duke University participating in NCAA athletics, encouraging school spirit and offering opportunities for student-athlete involvement.

What libraries are available to students at Duke University?

Duke University offers students access to a total of eight libraries, a figure that ranks in the top 5% nationwide for the number of libraries at an institution. The central facility is the Perkins Library, which provides a broad range of physical and digital resources to support academic study and research. Additionally, there are seven other libraries that contribute to the university's extensive and highly regarded library system. Students can expect well-established hours, trained staff, and access to shared collections across these facilities, ensuring comprehensive support for their academic needs. Both physical and digital access options are available, facilitating versatile study environments and resource availability.

Duke University Student Life for 2026

Total enrollment

17499

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

1740

Member of Athletic Associations

Data not available

Total staff

1857 full time, 97 part time

Veterans affair office

No

Duke University Library Services and Resources

Main library name

Perkins Library

Number of libraries on campus

8

Reservable study rooms in library

No

24h access

No

Physical facilities

Yes

Access to digital/electronic resources

Yes

Staff trained to provide and interpret library materials

Yes

Established library hours

Yes

Access to library collections that are shared with other institutions

Yes

Duke University Computer Labs Access

  • 24h access
  • Help desk

Duke University Student Life Enrollment Statistics

Freshmen vs. transfer students

Freshman
Transfer

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

Duke University Location & Map

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